This was taken on 23rd April 1949 by the signal box & although it dousn't date from the time that the Rectory was standing it does show what things were like then when compared with the Valley Walk path today.
This shot shows that the cutting, although not substantial, was indeed a cutting. The rail line, at least the section by Rodbridge corner, was not raised.
A slightly more detailed pic
This was shot from the bank of the other side of the cutting.
